Cowboys Country

Cowboys Sign Kareem Hunt Or ‘Too Slow’ To Help Tony Pollard?

After drafting an undersized runner, could the Dallas Cowboys look to sign veteran Kareem Hunt as Tony Pollard's complementary back?

Isaiah DeAnda Delgado

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Leading up to the NFL Draft, it was speculated that the Dallas Cowboys had an interest in drafting either Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs to help fill their running back room. But by the time Dallas picked, of course, both had already been selected.

Eventually, Dallas settled on drafting undersized running back Deuce Vaughn in Round 6. Although Vaughn proved to be an electric three-down player at Kansas State, he stands at 5-5 and weighs a mere 179 pounds … a frame that indicates he won't be taking over Ezekiel Elliott's workload at the goal line.

If the Cowboys want to replace the power Elliott took with him, they might have to sign a running back still in free agency. Bucs ex Leonard Fournette is one name. Should powerful former Pro Bowler Kareem Hunt be another?

In 2023 Elliott had a team-high 12 rushing touchdowns. Can Cowboys first-teamer and Pro Bowler Tony Pollard pick up that slack? Or ...

Since entering the league, Hunt is top 20 among running backs in touchdowns despite spending most of his career as a Cleveland Browns backup playing behind Nick Chubb. 

Hunt is 27 years old and has become accustomed to splitting the workload since his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs when he asserted himself as one of the league's premier offensive weapons.

Over his six seasons, Hunt has averaged nearly a 1,000 yards from scrimmage per year. There is the argument that he's running out of gas; we've got scouting minds who see it that way. Still, currently, Dallas' backfield has a whole lot of lightning and no thunder. Ronald Jones was the home-run threat in Tampa Bay during his best seasons, similar to Pollard’s role behind Elliott thus far into his career. The other notable back on Dallas’ roster is Malik Davis, an undrafted free agent from last year’s class who didn’t receive many opportunities as a rookie. Davis runs tough, but he's no bruiser.

Hunt could in theory help pick up the workload left by Zeke in a way that could mean Dallas not having to overwork Pollard (in his first season as the full-time lead back) or Vaughn (who due to his smaller frame will at best start with a smaller role).

But up pops a problem, Cowboys media scout Bryan Broaddus is reporting that his scouting cohorts allege that Hunt is “slow and becoming  slower.” That’s a problem.

Should Dallas decide to add another veteran to the backfield, Hunt's combination of experience - if the Cowboys scouting department determines there is still tread remaining on his tires - could provide a nice level of booming thunder. But a “plodding” runner? That Dallas does not need.

You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter and Instagram @IsaiahDDelgado.

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Isaiah DeAnda Delgado
ISAIAH DEANDA DELGADO

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